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Multnomah University closed in 5/2024 (U.S. Department of Education IPEDS). The data on this page is historical and kept for reference.

Private nonprofit, 4-year

Multnomah University

Portland, Oregon

Acceptance rate

49.8%

2024

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$30,310

$41,310 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Multnomah University, located in Portland, Oregon, is a private Christian institution with a rich history and a commitment to integrating faith and learning. Established in 1936, the university is known for its strong emphasis on biblical education and the development of leadership skills among its students. The school’s mission is to prepare students for a life of service, emphasizing the importance of both academic excellence and spiritual growth. Multnomah’s core values highlight the pursuit of truth, the importance of community, and the encouragement of a transformative Christian faith.

The campus of Multnomah University features modern facilities designed to support a vibrant student life. Students have access to various resources, including a well-stocked library, study spaces, and recreational facilities that encourage both academic and personal development. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on areas such as theology, counseling, and business. With a dedicated faculty who are not only educators but also mentors, Multnomah University fosters a supportive environment that encourages students to thrive academically and spiritually. The university's commitment to service is also reflected in its community engagement initiatives, which provide students with opportunities to participate in local outreach and missions, further enhancing their educational experience.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Multnomah University

Multnomah University, a private institution, has experienced notable changes in various metrics over the years, particularly in tuition, graduation rates, and student retention. The tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have steadily increased from $21,850 in 2014 to $30,310 in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 38% over the decade, which may raise concerns for prospective students regarding affordability and student debt burdens.

In terms of academic performance, the graduation rates for students completing their undergraduate programs on time saw fluctuations. The on-time graduation rate dipped to 20% in 2020, possibly reflecting the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it rebounded to 50% in 2021, indicating recovery and a return to more typical academic performance. The overall 150% graduation rate also showed improvement, reaching 50% in 2023.

Moreover, the student retention rate has shown a gradual decline, from 60% in 2013 to 53% in 2023. This downward trend raises questions about student satisfaction and the effectiveness of support systems at the university. The student-to-faculty ratio, which remained around 12:1 in recent years, suggests a relatively favorable environment for personalized learning, though maintaining high retention rates will be crucial for sustaining enrollment levels.

Together, these metrics paint a picture of a university navigating challenges while striving to improve educational outcomes. It is essential for Multnomah University to focus on maintaining affordable tuition, enhancing student support services, and fostering an environment that promotes student success to address these ongoing issues effectively.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
In Portland
Nearest international airport
Portland International Airport (PDX), about 4 mi
Portland, Oregon
City
Portland, Oregon
Address
8435 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97220

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2024

Men
48.4%
Women
51.3%

In 2020: men 53.5%, women 51.5%.

Data insights

Trends in Admission Rates and Enrollment at Multnomah University

The admission trends at Multnomah University over the years provide a compelling narrative on how the institution has navigated through fluctuating acceptance rates and enrollment figures. Notably, the data reveals a significant decline in both male and female admission rates from 2014 onwards. For instance, the male admission rate plummeted to approximately 46.15% in 2014, marking a stark contrast to the higher rates observed in previous years.
Interestingly, female admission rates have shown a more stable pattern but still reflect a downward trend in recent years. The peak for female admission was in 2010, with an acceptance rate of nearly 90%. However, by 2023, this had reduced to about 49.52%, indicating an increasingly competitive environment for women as well.
The enrollment numbers also depict a complex picture. After reaching a high of 88 enrollments in 2011, the figures experienced several fluctuations, with a notable decline in 2021 and 2023, where enrollment dropped to 48 and 90 respectively. The number of denied applications has risen sharply, particularly in 2023, where 221 applications were rejected. This growing number of denials could suggest an increasing selectivity on the part of the university, potentially in response to the wider trends in higher education, where many institutions are striving to maintain quality amidst rising application numbers.
Overall, the data suggests that Multnomah University is facing challenges in balancing its admission rates and enrollment numbers while maintaining its institutional standards. This scenario is not unique to Multnomah, as many universities grapple with similar dynamics in an increasingly competitive educational landscape.

Cost

2024 cost per year

$41,310

Undergraduate tuition
$30,310
Room and board
$11,000
Graduate tuition
$14,920
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 33% from 2016 to 2024; room and board rose 41%.

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

2023
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)4923
Soccer2834
Basketball1913
Lacrosse1416
Volleyball-19
Golf9-

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Multnomah University:

  1. Reed College - Ranked 67th in the 2024 US News rankings, Reed College is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus culture.

  2. Lewis & Clark College - With a rank of 93, Lewis & Clark College is a private liberal arts college that emphasizes experiential learning and social responsibility.

  3. Pacific University - Ranked 209th, Pacific University is a private university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on community engagement.

  4. Willamette University - Willamette University, ranked 75th, is the oldest university in the western United States and is known for its strong liberal arts education and law program.

  5. Oregon State University - At rank 142, Oregon State University is a public research university that offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, known for its research initiatives and community involvement.

  6. University of Oregon - Ranked 98th, the University of Oregon is a public research university recognized for its strong programs in journalism, architecture, and environmental studies.

  7. University of Washington-Seattle Campus - With a rank of 40, the University of Washington is a major public research university known for its strong emphasis on innovation and public service.

These universities provide a diverse range of academic opportunities and enrich the educational landscape surrounding Multnomah University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2019–2021

Motor vehicle theft
19
Drug arrests
2
Liquor referrals
2
Weapons arrests
1
Domestic violence
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Trends at Multnomah University: A Closer Examination

The crime data from Multnomah University over the years reveals a fluctuating trend in campus safety. In 2013, the crime rate was relatively low at 4.71 per 1000 students, but this figure saw a significant rise in subsequent years, peaking at 29.05 in 2018. The increase in recorded incidents during 2018 may reflect heightened awareness and reporting of crimes, particularly in areas like drug and alcohol-related arrests, which have been issues of growing concern in many universities across the United States.

The data indicates a notable decline in crime rates from 2014 to 2016, followed by another spike in 2018. However, the years following 2018 showed some stabilization, with the rates hovering around the mid-teens. It’s important to consider that crime statistics can be influenced by various factors, including changes in campus policing policies, student population dynamics, and even external societal issues such as the opioid crisis and rising incidents of violence in broader communities.

One particularly alarming trend observed is the rise in gun-related incidents, which have become a pressing concern in educational institutions nationwide. The recent statistics suggest that while Multnomah University has had some years with low crime rates, the inconsistency raises valid concerns about student safety and the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies.

Overall, while the university has made strides towards ensuring a safe environment, the fluctuations in crime rates underscore the importance of ongoing vigilance and the need for comprehensive support systems for students. Regular assessments and adjustments of safety measures, alongside community engagement, will be vital in sustaining a secure educational atmosphere. For more information on crime statistics calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Multnomah University include Bettie Page (1950s pin-up model, "Queen of Pinups"), Ferdinand Waldo Demara (American impostor) and Luis Palau (Argentine-American Christian evangelist).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.